Charkhole: A promising offbeat destination in North Bengal

Amidst the enchanting hill forest of eastern Himalayan range, and presenting magnificent panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga at the backdrop, Charkhole is one of the most fascinating offbeat destinations in North Bengal. Away from overcrowded hilly tourist spots, Charkhole offers the demanding peace and ultimate serenity to every peace-loving guest.

During my initial visit to Charkhole with my family and friends, this hidden gem remained almost untouched by most tourists in North Bengal. While it has gained popularity among certain travelers over the years, the serenity of this place still remains untouched.

Join me on this virtual journey to Charkhole, as it will undoubtedly inspire you to plan a perfect trip to North Bengal, where untouched beauty awaits.

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Let’s Explore the Beauty of Charkhole

Situating at Kalimpong district (West Bengal), Charkhole is a heavenly hamlet equipped with diverse nature and perfectly optimized beauty. The topmost part of Charkhole situates at an altitude of 5500 ft from sea level, offering the best panoramic view of the surroundings. A short hike through the curved hilly route can set you to the top.

Charkhole - One of the most promising offbeat destinations in North Bengal

The villagers’ habitable area is settled downhill, embraced by lush green forests of Pine, Oak, and Cypress. Bird enthusiasts will find solace in this little haven, as Charkhole is home to numerous Himalayan bird species, including the Blue Fronted Redstart, Indian Robin, Pippit, Verditer Flycatcher, Himalayan Bulbul, Ashley Prinia, and Green Backed Tit.

The prime viewpoint in Charkhole is located on the upper hill, at the edge of the village. From this vantage point, a magnificent three-directional valley unfolds before your eyes. On one side, the panoramic view showcases the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga, while the other two sides offer vistas of the Kalimpong hills and the Siliguri plainland.

A quick note:

The complete view of the snow-capped Mt. Kanchenjunga range can be witnessed from Charkhole, but only on a clear day, as the hilly climate remains unpredictable. However, the allure of Charkhole extends beyond its Kanchenjunga view, as it exudes heavenly serenity harmonized with the melodious notes of countless birds. For a closer encounter with Kanchenjunga, Pelling, Rishop, or even Darjeeling serve as ideal destinations, but Charkhole remains truly special for its enchanting tranquility intertwined with the symphony of the woods and its avian inhabitants.

Witnessing the serene silence, accompanied by a magnificent top view of the sprawling Neora Valley forest is something very special at Charkhole. What sets this beautiful place apart is the added allure of cloud-walking, observing them float beneath your very eyes, immersing yourself in their ethereal presence, and savoring their delicate fragrance; indeed, these are some irresistible attractions of this beautiful place.

While other high-altitude destinations around Darjeeling and Sikkim offer glimpses of the cloud dance, it is the harmonious blend of Charkhole’s serene surroundings that truly sets it apart, evoking an indescribable sense of wonder within the minds of its visitors.

As night falls upon Charkhole, a whole new wave of excitement emerges. You can gather around a campfire under the starry sky, while embracing the crisp coldness of the air. On a clear night, be mesmerized by the spectacle of millions of dazzling stars, a breathtaking celestial display that remains hidden amidst the urban jungle.

How to visit Charkhole?

Charkhole is well connected to Siliguri, Kalimpong, and Darjeeling; The nearest major town is Kalimpong, but you can seamlessly reach Charkhole from any location in North Bengal, depending on your previous destination and trip organization.

The nearest Railways station is New Jalpaiguri, approximately 73 km away from Charkhole, with a travel time of around 3 hours by car. If you prefer air travel, you can land at Bagdogra Airport, which is approximately 80 km away from Charkhole.

Kalimpong is a mere 34 km away from Charkhole, while Darjeeling is at a distance of approximately 68 km. Therefore, if you find yourself exploring the Kalimpong district during your North Bengal trip, it is highly recommended to include a visit to Charkhole in your itinerary for an enriching experience.

Also read: Lamahatta Eco Park – A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Where to stay at Charkhole?

While Charkhole village does offer a few homestays, for an exceptional experience, I highly recommend considering the high-altitude resorts in Charkhole. Opting for a stay at either the Charchole Resort or the Blue Pine Resort is the ideal choice, as they are strategically located to provide breathtaking panoramic views of the lush green valley, expansive pine forest, and the majestic Mt. Kanchanjungha.

To delve deeper into the captivating details of Charkhole and the remarkable Charkhole Resort, I invite you to watch the video below. It will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the destination and a glimpse into the offerings of the Charkhole Resort.

Nearby tourist spots

Nestled in a secluded corner of North Bengal, Charkhole stands as an offbeat destination, inviting travelers to relax and immerse themselves in the tranquil embrace of nature. Within a radius of 5-10 km, there may not be other prominent travel spots or special sightseeing attractions available.

However, if you plan to extend your stay in multiple destinations and explore further, there are several captivating options that you can consider. Lava, Loleygaon, Neora Valley Forest, Thangu waterfalls, Tendrabong, Simanadara, Kolakham, and Rishyap offer delightful options to continue your journey. The nearest town, Kalimpong, presents a harmonious blend of nature and township, creating a wonderful ambiance that caters to the tastes of all tourists.

Additionally, you can also include places like Tinchuley, Peshok, Dawaipani, and Lamahatta in your travel itinerary. Although these destinations are in closer proximity to Darjeeling, they can still be worthwhile additions to your list, offering their own unique charm and attractions.

Wrapping up

My prime aim is to share the details of the beautiful hamlet, so that you can plan your Charkhole trip perfectly without any hassle. Hope, this article helps you. For your note, avoid visiting Charkhole during monsoon; October to mid-June is the best time to visit Charkhole.

If you have any further queries, feel free to post your questions in the comment box below. If you find this article helpful, social sharing will be highly appreciating.

Have a great trip to North Bengal.

Suvankar Das

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Dr. Suvankar Das is a scientific advisor by profession, associated with a CRO organization. He pursued his doctoral degree in Chemistry in 2015. Later, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher & scientist in a couple of institutes/companies.

Besides his scientific journey, Dr. Das is also a passionate traveler and travel blogger. He loves to share all his travel experiences with other travelers so that everyone can enjoy hassle-free holidays with their own tour plans.

He believes, the most beautiful thing in this world is the WORLD itself. so there is no way to live like a clock; rather live it like a compass!